Paulo Dybala reveals decision to join Roma came 'minutes' after phone conversation with manager Jose Mourinho...

 

Former Juventus star Paulo Dybala has revealed that he made the decision to join Roma minutes after a phone call with manager Jose Mourinho.

The Argentine left Juventus in the summer after his contract expired at the Allianz Stadium after spending seven years at the club.

A host of top clubs across Europe were interested in signing the attacker, but it was former Chelsea and Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho that managed to win his signature.

Jose Mourinho (left) called Paulo Dybala (right) a 'phenomenon' during his time at Juventus

This season Dybala has proved to be a top signing by Mourinho as he has scored four goals and assisted two more in all competitions. 

The 28-year-old admitted that he is enjoying his football again following his move to the capital after struggling to hit his best in his last few seasons at Juventus.

Dybala told ESPN Argentina: 'Yes, the last few years at Juventus weren't easy, a change did me good. Mourinho called me and in a few minutes I decided. He as well as the director spoke to me about the project and the desire to continue winning as they did last year.

Dybala joined Roma on a free transfer after ending his seven year spell with Juventus 

'Being a protagonist in such a team helps me a lot. The fans' welcome? It was unusual. When you enter the stadium you're with your teammates, there I was alone. It had never happened to me before.

'Roma fans are similar to Argentinian fans in terms of passion. Different from the Juventus environment, more like the Argentinean one.

'They have a beautiful madness, I feel this affection, for them Roma comes before the family. They live football as we do.'

Dybala admitted his last few seasons at Juventus were 'not easy' leading to his exit 

But it was not the first time Dybala had spoken to Mourinho. The Argentine crossed paths with the Portuguese manager during a match between Juventus and Roma in his last season with the Old Lady, in which Mourinho approached Dybala on the bench after he was substituted.

He said: 'In Rome with Juventus we were winning 4-3 and the coach took me off. Mourinho came up to the bench to greet me and said: "You are a phenomenon".

'This episode has stayed in my head, but I couldn't know then what would happen with the renewal at Juventus.

Dybala has rediscovered his best form at Roma having netted four goals in his first eight games

"When he called me the first time, he asked me if I remembered that moment. I said: 'Of course, how could I forget. It was an honour". Then he said: 'Well, now you have to do it for me". He also called me in the following days and it was easy to decide.

'Working with him is easy. With him I talk about everything, he knows all the players, from the elite to the third string. He has a group of people who work very well. What surprised me about Mourinho is the humility he has, he treats everyone the same.

'Sometimes he can give a different image for what you see on the pitch. Then I also saw him angry…. I'm very happy at Roma, when you're happy it's easier.'

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